Who is Hip Hostess

Subscribe To

Follow us on:

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Just looking at this photo makes me want to take a big bite...salty ham, creamy brie and crusty bread. It's very French and perfect for your picnic basket. My suggestion would be to buy a good cut of ham and don't skimp on the jam. Wrap in parchment and tie with some twine and you will have everyone saying ooh la la. Get the recipe here.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

If you are looking for something cute and inexpensive to spruce up your outdoor space for summer...this is for you. Check out these cute outdoor lanterns from Z Gallerie. Not only are they a hip shade of neon which is so trendy right now but the small guy starts at $7.95.

There are lots of ways to make mini pies using cupcake pans or pre-made crusts/tins, but I kind of like this version from Sur la Table.

With this version, it has nice fluted edges and a cutout top to give a a more finished look. And so you can take your little pie out without destroying it, the bottom lifts out for easy release. Genius!!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

I have a few wine shops that I frequent and each serves its
own purpose as well as its own price range.I have one that I stop by if I need a recommendation and don’t mind
spending a little more for the occasion.This particular wine shop is run by a guy who talks with his teeth
together which gives him kind of an accent which I refer to as “the know it all”
accent.I do believe he lays in wait for
me to enter so he can breakout his glossary of latest and greatest wine terms. I always take a deep breath before entering,
but I am willing to endure him because he knows his stuff.

Long story even longer, basically I asked him for a Rose
recommendation and he but a hat box on the counter!He said (teeth gnashed together) “This Rose
is divine.”And it is. ..plus it costs
around $28.00 for the equivalent of 3 bottles.If you have a picnic or pool party where glass is frowned upon, you can’t
go wrong with the Vinity Case.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Last weekend I was perusing the shelves of our local wine/liquor store for a nice Cabernet to have with dinner, when I was pulled in a totally different direction by this packaging. Adorable and approachable packaging pulled me in, but what is this?

Moonshine?!?! Moonshine is scary and puts hair on your chest, it does not sit on the shelves of our quaint little wine shop. However, they must have chosen to stock it for a reason. And my guess is that this delicious looking variation, below, had something to do with it.

Moonshine cherries cannot be too scary. I mean...I love a drunken olive at the end of my martini. Surely, this concoction could make one hell of a cherry coke. So I think even though I am a bit frightened, I might give this new booze a go over Memorial Day weekend. The packaging will look adorable on a spread during a cookout. And I have an extra day off to recover if the White Lightening strikes one too many times.

Monday, May 21, 2012

How much potato salad and macaroni salad can one person
eat? I know…a lot! But if you are getting tired of the same old
salads at every get together, check out this spread. The salad shown is tomato, tomatillo and corn
salad with avocado dressing. Sign me
up.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Every once in awhile life gets in the way of the best laid plans. That's when mail order treats can be a lifesaver. Yes, you may have to pay a little more but sometimes the payoff of time is worth the dollars spent. If you catch yourself in a situation where you had plans of bringing a fabulous dessert to a soiree or even making a fabulous dessert for your own party but couldn't quite get it done. Here are a few of my favorite online treats...not only are they tasty but the packaging is super cute as well.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

When I saw the most recent entertaining serve ware from West Elm, I was pretty excited to have an excuse to throw an outdoor shindig this Summer where I could use them. I mean the crockware, the tortilla baskets, the cute fish-motif plates...how fun!?

And then I was digging around a bit on their site and stumbled upon their blog, complete with a delicious set of recipes for using in said adorable serve ware. Fantastic!

So if you would like to know how to make this yummy looking Baja Fish Taco dish with Pineapple Pico de Gallo and Chipotle Crema, just click here. And if you want to buy the dishes to serve them on, just click here. Instant party!

Monday, May 14, 2012

I like to think that I have a pretty good handle on the world of libations. If a menu full of signature cocktails sits before me, I can navigate my way to something that will suit my taste no matter how foreign some of the ingredients. If a wine list the size of War & Peace is plopped in my lap, I can find a region and varietal that will pair nicely with my meal. But when I am faced with choices of sake, I pretty much just close my eyes, point to a selection, and hope for the best.

So when my local wine merchant absolutely RAVED about the new Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake, my ears perked up. With a palatte that is"crisp and smooth, with hints of fruits and vanilla, and a savory sweet potato bread, white mushroom, tart cherry and jicama subtle nuances", what isn't to like? So now I finally have a go-to sake! Aren't you proud?

And because sakes do make for a lovely cocktail, I might even try this recommendation from Hiro, The Super Hiro.

The Super Hiro2.5 oz Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake1 oz vodka1 Japanese cucumber cut into rounds for garnishPour Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake and vodka in a cocktail shaker over cubed ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a slice of Japanese cucumber.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Every summer I look for desserts that are easy to prepare
but still delicious. This year I am
going with grilled pound cake with fresh berries. It’s as easy as mixing sliced strawberries
and blueberries with a little sugar and then adding a splash of Triple Sec and
letting set for 30 minutes. Brush slices
of pound cake with melted butter and grill, flipping once, until toasted. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

The best part is you can make your pound cake ahead of time
and freeze so you always have it on hand.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and when looking to impress who
better to turn to than Smitten Kitchen.
Check out this beautiful and delicious zucchini and ricotta galette. It would make the perfect
addition to a Mother’s Day brunch and I love it when food doubles as décor.

Monday, May 7, 2012

I’m not the best at remembering the sunscreen except in very
obvious situations.I don’t always
remember to apply on a day to day basis which is really just as important.I often find myself driving around with the
sun beating in through the window thinking, “Why didn’t I apply
sunscreen?”

That is why I was so excited to see that they are now making
sun protection wipes that fit easily inside our purses and are best of all EASY
to apply.I love when a product comes
along that makes life easier!